||Tales Of A Self Diagnosed Food Snob||

October 22, 2015October 22, 2015

TJ’s TIPS: Guide To Grocery

A lot of people ask me a lot of questions about my grocery shopping process so I thought I’d share a few tips with ya. Grocery shopping is something people absolutely dread most of the time. I am on the way other end of the spectrum on this one. Going to the grocery store is therapy for me, it is a creative outlet for me where I can browse the aisles and get inspired for my next recipe or finding excitement in a new #glutenfree product. I know that all sounds so unbelievably lame, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to the grocery store “just because”.

However, in order to make it a stress free experience, you gotta do your homework and research so you’re prepared to tackle it.

Never go to the grocery store hungry

This is such an old tip that has been soooooo overused, but still, so many people neglect the importance of it! Your mind can outsmart your stomach into thinking you truly need all these things when you really don’t. I try to either have a quick snack before I go or get something on the way. Let me tell ya, it can do some serious damage on the wallet!

2. Always, Always, Always, make a list

And i’m not just talking about a few random things here and there, i’m talking like a full on detailed plan. It really helps to have your meals specifically laid out for the week ahead so you have no temptation to add a few extra goodies! Personally, I like to pick one dish a week that I really like and make it in bulk for the whole week so I don’t have to worry about dinners—leaving breakfast and lunch open for culinary creativity !!

3. I would say shop the perimeter but trader joes has chips on their perimeter (hehe)

Not every grocery store is lined up the same way! The trader joes in Lexington has their snack aisle on the perimeter (maybe it’s a trick) Essentially, what I am saying, is shop your nutritious items first making sure that you are getting in all your necessary food groups (grains, fruits, veggies, dairy, protein/meat) AND then head for a snack if you so desire ;)

Moderation is key everyone, don’t ever try to neglect yourself to the point where you don’t enjoy life–but always remember you are what you eat :)